Clinging to Jesus: Finding Strength in God's Word

How do we stay anchored in our faith? The answer lies in clinging to Jesus and finding strength in God's Word. His Word is timeless and is just as true for us believers today just as it was with the Israelites thousands of years ago.

The story of Joshua offers powerful insights into this spiritual truth. After years of wandering and warfare, the Israelites had finally settled in the Promised Land. They were experiencing a time of rest and peace. However, their aged leader Joshua knew that complacency could be dangerous. He gathered the people to give them final instructions before his death.

Joshua's message was clear: "Hold fast to the Lord your God." This wasn't just casual advice – it was a matter of spiritual life or death. Joshua knew that without a strong connection to God, the people would be tempted to drift away and worship false idols.

This exhortation applies just as much to us today. When life is going well, it's easy to become complacent in our faith. We may attend church, read our Bibles occasionally, and say a quick prayer now and then. But are we truly clinging to Jesus with all our heart, soul, mind and strength?

To cling to Jesus means to develop a deep, intimate relationship with Him. It's like the bond between a husband and wife, or a small child holding tightly to a parent's hand. When we cling to Jesus, we go where He goes. His priorities become our priorities. His heart becomes our heart.

But how do we cultivate this kind of relationship? Joshua gives us several key principles:

1. Immerse yourself in God's Word
Joshua instructed the people to "keep and do all that is written in the Book of the Law of Moses." For us today, this means diving deep into Scripture. The Bible isn't meant to be a dusty book on a shelf or an app we rarely open. It should be our daily bread, nourishing our souls and shaping our lives.

As the prophet Jeremiah said, "When your words came, I ate them; they were my joy and my heart's delight." When we approach the Bible with this kind of hunger and delight, it sets our hearts on fire for God. We begin to see the world through His eyes and align our lives with His purposes.

2. Avoid worldly influences
Joshua warned the Israelites not to associate with the pagan nations around them or worship their gods. While we can't completely isolate ourselves from the world, we need to be on guard against influences that could pull us away from God.

This requires intentionality and sometimes difficult choices. What media are we consuming? What relationships are we prioritizing? What activities fill our time? We need to continually evaluate whether these things are drawing us closer to God or pulling us away.

3. Build a deep affection for God
Joshua urged the people to "love the Lord your God." Our relationship with God shouldn't be based on duty or obligation, but on genuine love and affection. This grows as we spend time in His presence, meditate on His goodness, and experience His faithfulness in our lives.

One powerful way to nurture this love is through worship. When we lift our voices in praise, whether in a crowded sanctuary or alone in our cars, it awakens something in our souls. We become more aware of God's presence and more in awe of His majesty.

4. Remember God's faithfulness
Joshua reminded the Israelites of all that God had done for them – how He had fought their battles and fulfilled His promises. We too need to cultivate a habit of remembering God's faithfulness in our lives.

This might involve keeping a gratitude journal, sharing testimonies with others, or simply taking time to reflect on how God has worked in our past. When we face new challenges, these memories become anchors of hope, reminding us that the God who was faithful before will be faithful again.

5. Be strong and courageous
Multiple times in the book of Joshua, God instructs His people to "be strong and courageous." This isn't about mustering up our own strength, but about relying on God's power working through us.

When we feel weak or inadequate, God's command is still the same: "Be strong and courageous." It's a call to step out in faith, trusting that God will equip us for whatever He's called us to do.

The apostle Paul echoed this truth when he wrote from a Roman prison: "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me." Our strength doesn't come from our own abilities or resources, but from our connection to Jesus.

As we seek to cling to Jesus in our daily lives, we may face opposition – both external and internal. The world around us often pulls in a different direction. Our own flesh may resist the discipline of seeking God. But the rewards of a close relationship with Jesus far outweigh any temporary pleasures or comforts we might sacrifice.

When we cling to Jesus, we find:
- Peace that surpasses understanding
- Joy that isn't dependent on circumstances
- Purpose that gives meaning to our days
- Power to overcome temptation and live holy lives
- Comfort in times of sorrow
- Guidance for difficult decisions
- A love that satisfies the deepest longings of our hearts

In a world of uncertainty and change, Jesus remains our unchanging rock. As we cling to Him through His Word, prayer, worship, and obedience, we become more like Him. Our lives begin to reflect His character and shine His light to those around us.

Today, let's renew our commitment to cling to Jesus with all our heart. Let's immerse ourselves in His Word, guard our hearts against worldly influences, cultivate a deeper love for God, remember His faithfulness, and step out in courageous faith. As we do, we'll discover the unshakable strength and abundant life that comes from holding fast to our Savior.